U.S. patent application number 14/050152 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for secondary containment.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLIED STEEL. The applicant listed for this patent is ALLIED STEEL. Invention is credited to Patrick Southworth.
Application Number | 20140105686 14/050152 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50475446 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140105686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Southworth; Patrick |
April 17, 2014 |
SECONDARY CONTAINMENT
Abstract
This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One
implementation includes a support assembly that includes an
elongate post member and a stabilization plate. In one instance, a
stabilization plate is mounted on the elongate post member to
reduce movement of the elongate post member when the stabilization
plate is embedded in the ground. Another implementation includes a
panel splice assembly including reinforcing members that secure
overlapping, corrugated panels.
Inventors: |
Southworth; Patrick;
(Lewistown, MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALLIED STEEL |
Lewistown |
MT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ALLIED STEEL
Lewistown
MT
|
Family ID: |
50475446 |
Appl. No.: |
14/050152 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61712689 |
Oct 11, 2012 |
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61736449 |
Dec 12, 2012 |
|
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61752878 |
Jan 15, 2013 |
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61766059 |
Feb 18, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/046 20130101;
E02D 5/24 20130101; E02D 27/42 20130101; B65D 90/08 20130101; E04H
7/02 20130101; E02B 7/02 20130101; B09B 1/00 20130101; E02D 5/80
20130101; E02D 5/54 20130101; E04H 17/22 20130101; E04H 17/168
20130101; E02D 5/14 20130101; B65D 90/24 20130101; E04H 12/2215
20130101; E02D 5/76 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/107 |
International
Class: |
E02B 7/02 20060101
E02B007/02 |
Claims
1. A support assembly comprising: an elongate post member having
first and second major surfaces that are generally parallel; a
first stabilization plate secured against the first major surface
proximate a first end of the elongate post member, the first
stabilization plate being generally planar and extending generally
parallel to the first major surface; and a second stabilization
plate secured against the second major surface at a location that
is farther from the first end than the first stabilization plate,
but is closer to the first end of the elongate post member than a
second opposite end of the elongate post member, wherein the second
stabilization plate includes: a first generally planar portion
extending generally parallel to the second major surface, a top
edge of the first generally planar portion positioned against the
elongate post member and the top edge orthogonal to the elongate
post member, the top edge being furthest from the first end of the
elongate post member, and a second generally planar portion that
extends from the top edge of the first generally planar portion, is
orthogonal to the first generally planar portion, and extends from
the second major surface past the first major surface.
2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the second generally
planar portion extends past the first major surface by a distance
that is equal to or greater than a width of the elongate post
member as measured between the first and second major surfaces.
3. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein a surface area of a
side of the first generally planar portion of the second
stabilization plate facing away from the elongate post member is at
least five times greater than another surface area of a side of the
first stabilization plate facing away from the elongate post
member.
4. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein an overall length of
the elongate post member from the first end to the second opposing
end is between 4 feet and 5 feet and another length of the elongate
post member from the first end to the top edge of the first
generally planar portion of the second stabilization plate is
around 23 inches.
5. The support assembly of claim 4, wherein a surface area of a
side of the first generally planar portion of the second
stabilization plate facing away from the elongate post member is at
least 60 square inches.
6. A support assembly comprising: an elongate post member with an
upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion configured to
be embedded in the ground; an upper stabilization plate including:
a generally vertical portion secured against a first side of the
elongate post member, the first side facing a first direction such
that an upper edge of the generally vertical portion is configured
to be proximate a surface of the ground and an upper edge of the
lower portion, wherein the generally vertical portion is configured
to reduce movement of the elongate post member in the first
direction when the lower portion is embedded in the ground, and a
generally horizontal portion extending from the upper edge of the
generally vertical portion in a second opposite direction such that
the generally horizontal portion is configured to be flush with the
surface of the ground when the lower portion is embedded in the
ground; and a lower stabilization plate secured against a second
side of the elongate post member, the second side facing the second
opposite direction, the lower stabilization plate secured proximate
a bottom end of the elongate post member and configured to reduce
movement of the elongate post member toward the second opposite
direction when the lower portion is embedded in the ground.
7. The support assembly of claim 6, wherein a size of a first
surface area of the generally vertical portion of the upper
stabilization plate is calculated based on a containment need for a
generally horizontal force applied against the elongate post member
to the upper portion in the first direction, wherein when the
generally horizontal force is applied, the elongate post member is
configured to push against the upper stabilization plate and the
first surface area is configured to spread the generally horizontal
force out against a matching surface area of soil on the first side
of the elongate post member to stabilize the elongate post
member.
8. The support assembly of claim 7, wherein the lower stabilization
plate has a second surface area sized based on a resistance need to
reduce movement of the elongate post member toward the second
opposite direction when the generally horizontal force is
applied.
9. The support assembly of claim 6, wherein a proportion of the
elongate post member above the ground to below the ground is in a
range of about 1.5:1 to about 1:1.
10. The support assembly of claim 9, wherein the proportion of the
elongate post member above the ground to below the ground is about
1.25:1.
11. The support assembly of claim 6, wherein the elongate post
member includes a cap with a horizontal surface configured to be
placed over a top of the elongate post member and receive downward
vertical force for driving the elongate post member into the
ground.
12. The support assembly of claim 6, wherein: the movement includes
rotation, translation, or a combination of the rotation and the
translation.
13. A reinforcing assembly comprising: a pair of elongate
reinforcing members, an individual elongate reinforcing member
including at least one inwardly facing surface having a corrugation
pattern that defines a wave shape, an axis of the wave shape
running parallel to a long axis of the individual elongate
reinforcing member, wherein the wave shape of the at least one
inwardly facing surface of a first individual elongate reinforcing
member of the pair interlocks with the wave shape of the at least
one inwardly facing surface of a second individual elongate
reinforcing member of the pair when the at least one inwardly
facing surface of the first individual elongate reinforcing member
is placed facing the at least one inwardly facing surface of the
second individual elongate reinforcing member.
14. The reinforcing assembly of claim 13, further comprising a
corrugation spacer and plug assembly in an inner cavity of the
first elongate reinforcing member, wherein the corrugation spacer
and plug assembly is mounted to the first elongate reinforcing
member on a bolt such that one end of the corrugation spacer and
plug assembly is set against an interior wall of the inner cavity
and an opposite plug end of the corrugation spacer and plug
assembly extends to a point in line with the wave shape along the
long axis.
15. A panel splice assembly comprising: first and second
overlapping barrier panels, the barrier panels having a corrugation
pattern, the corrugation pattern approximating a sinusoidal curve;
and elongate reinforcing members configured to be positioned as a
pair on opposing sides of the first and second overlapping barrier
panels and secured together, the elongate reinforcing members
including inwardly facing surfaces configured to match the
corrugation pattern of the first and second overlapping barrier
panels.
16. The panel splice assembly of claim 15, further comprising a
corrugation gasket between the first and second overlapping barrier
panels, such that when the elongate reinforcing members are secured
together on opposing sides of the first and second overlapping
barrier panels the panel splice assembly forms a generally
water-tight barrier.
17. The panel splice assembly of claim 15, wherein the elongate
reinforcing members include side members that define: the inwardly
facing surfaces; and inner cavities of the elongate reinforcing
members.
18. The panel splice assembly of claim 17, further comprising
multiple corrugation spacer and plug assemblies mounted in an
individual inner cavity of one elongate reinforcing member of the
pair, the corrugation spacer and plug assemblies having spacer ends
proximate an interior wall of the inner cavity opposite an
individual barrier panel and plug ends proximate the individual
barrier panel, wherein a length of an individual corrugation spacer
and plug assembly is dependent on a shape of the sinusoidal curve
where the individual corrugation spacer and plug assembly is
mounted on the one elongate reinforcing member.
19. A secondary containment system comprising: a barrier structure
including multiple overlapping panels, individual panels having a
corrugation pattern; multiple support assemblies, individual
support assemblies including: a lower stabilization plate mounted
proximate to a bottom end of a first side of an elongate post
member facing an interior of the secondary containment system, and
an upper stabilization plate mounted on a second opposite side of
the elongate post member in a lower portion of the elongate post
member, wherein the lower portion of the multiple support
assemblies are configured to be embedded in the ground such that a
top edge of a generally vertical portion of the upper stabilization
plate is flush with the ground; and multiple pairs of reinforcing
members, individual reinforcing members of the multiple pairs
positioned on opposing sides of overlap areas of the multiple
overlapping panels and secured together, the individual reinforcing
members including inwardly facing corrugated surfaces that match
the corrugation pattern of the individual panels, wherein the
individual panels are secured against the individual support
assemblies on an interior side of the secondary containment
system.
20. The secondary containment system of claim 19, wherein the upper
stabilization plate further includes: a generally horizontal
portion that extends from the top edge of the generally vertical
portion of the upper stabilization plate on either side of the
elongate post member toward the interior of the secondary
containment system, wherein the generally horizontal portion is
configured to support at least one of the individual panels mounted
on the first side of the elongate post member.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a utility application that claims
priority from provisional applications 61/712,689 filed 2012-10-11,
61/736,449 filed 2012-12-12, 61/752,878 filed 2013-1-15, and
61/766,059 filed 2013-2-18, which are incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In resource extraction, secondary containment systems are
often desired to prevent environmental degradation in the event of
an unintentional release of extracted material. The secondary
containment system is set up around the extraction site as a
barrier to contain the extracted material, such as oil. For
example, the secondary containment system can prevent spilled oil
from reaching a receiving water body or other area that might
suffer environmental degradation from the spilled oil. Secondary
containment systems should be effectively water-tight and able to
stand up to the force applied by the released, extracted material
against the barrier. Existing systems for anchoring and splicing
together components of secondary containment systems can require a
large amount of materials and installation time to produce
effective spill containment. To properly support sidewalls of
secondary containment systems, typically posts are anchored with
concrete set in the ground. Due to the inadequate structural
support of typical concrete footings used with the posts, a close
spacing of posts must be used along the barrier sidewalls, thereby
requiring a significant amount of materials. In addition, the large
number of concrete footings at the posts can take a significant
amount of installation time. The sidewalls are typically made with
overlapping barrier panels of corrugated steel that are spliced
together with a gasket between overlapping panels. For the
secondary containment system to be effectively water-tight, in case
an inner liner of the system is punctured or otherwise fails, a
large number of bolts are typically used to produce sufficient
pressure on the overlapping panels against the gasket. The large
number of bolts can require significant installation time.
SUMMARY
[0003] This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One
implementation is a support assembly for a secondary containment
system including at least one stabilization plate. Another
implementation includes first and second stabilization plates
mounted on opposite sides of an elongate post member of a support
assembly. A further implementation is a splice assembly including a
pair of elongate reinforcing members with inwardly facing surfaces
that have a corrugation pattern, for securing on either side of a
pair of overlapping corrugated panels.
[0004] The above listed examples are provided for introductory
purposes and do not include all of, and/or limit, the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the
concepts conveyed in the present application. Features of the
illustrated implementations can be more readily understood by
reference to the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings. Like reference numbers in the various
drawings are used wherever feasible to indicate like elements.
Further, the left-most numeral of each reference number conveys the
figure and associated discussion where the reference number is
first introduced.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a section of a secondary
containment system that is consistent with containment concepts in
accordance with some implementations.
[0007] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of structures of a
secondary containment system that are consistent with containment
concepts in accordance with some implementations.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example support
assembly that is consistent with containment concepts in accordance
with some implementations.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an example support
assembly in the context of a secondary containment system that is
consistent with containment concepts in accordance with some
implementations.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a
support assembly in accordance with some implementations.
[0011] FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective and a sectional view
showing another example of a support assembly in the context of a
secondary containment system that are consistent with containment
concepts in accordance with some implementations.
[0012] FIGS. 8A through 8D show perspective views of structures and
methods for assembling an example support assembly.
[0013] FIG. 9A is a perspective view and FIGS. 9B and 9C are
sectional views of an example reinforcing assembly that is
consistent with containment concepts in accordance with some
implementations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0014] The present description relates to secondary containment
systems for containing a material, such as a liquid. For example,
secondary containment systems can be utilized during resource
extraction operations to contain spilled drilling materials and/or
extracted materials. As used herein, "secondary containment" is
intended to be given a broad definition to include any type of
barrier, such as a liquid barrier, a barrier for another material,
or an assembly of components that may serve as a barrier or may
serve another purpose.
[0015] The described implementations can address containment
issues. As mentioned above, containment issues can include a need
for a secondary containment system to be water-tight (e.g.,
fluid-tight) and a need for a secondary containment system to
resist a force of material against it. Containment issues can also
include a need to hold or splice together components of a system
that may contain a material. Specific structures for accomplishing
the containment are described in more detail below relative to
FIGS. 1 through 9C.
[0016] Viewed another way, the described implementations offer the
capacity to contain materials, create a barrier, and/or otherwise
support or connect corrugated panels. The described implementations
offer reduced material needs, improved structural support, and
reduced installation time for secondary containment systems. The
present concepts can be applied in other fields, such as fields
where a barrier is needed to contain a material or corrugated
sheets are spliced together, for example snow fences, grain
elevators, or culverts.
EXAMPLES
[0017] FIGS. 1 through 3 collectively illustrate an implementation
of a secondary containment system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, one
implementation of the secondary containment system 100 can include
support assemblies 102 and splice assemblies 104 (e.g., panel
splice assemblies, reinforcing assemblies). Note that different
instances of the various elements in FIG. 1 are distinguished by
parenthetical references, e.g., 104(1) refers to a different splice
assembly than 104(2). When referring to multiple elements
collectively, the parenthetical will not be used, e.g., splice
assemblies 104 can refer to either or all of splice assembly
104(1), splice assembly 104(2), and splice assembly 104(3). FIGS. 4
through 8D collectively illustrate support assembly
implementations. FIGS. 9A through 9C collectively illustrate splice
assembly implementations.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, secondary containment system 100 can
include multiple support assemblies 102 and splice assemblies 104.
Due to the constraints of the drawing page, only a portion of the
secondary containment system is shown. Also, the relative sizes
and/or proportions of the elements shown in the Figure may not be
to scale. The number and/or placement of support assemblies and
splice assemblies shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only and is
not meant to be limiting. The number or placement of support
assemblies and splice assemblies may vary based on many factors,
such as overall dimensions utilized for the secondary containment
system.
[0019] In one implementation, support assemblies 102 can be spaced
apart to support a generally continuous barrier structure 106 that
defines a perimeter (not shown) of secondary containment system
100. The secondary containment system can be configured to confine
materials, such as spilled liquids, to an interior 108 of the
perimeter. As shown in FIG. 1, barrier structure 106 can include
multiple overlapping panels 110 (e.g., panels, barrier panels). The
barrier structure may include other elements, such as corner
sections 112. In FIG. 1, the interior 108 is generally in the
background of the drawing, or behind the barrier structure. In this
example, when secondary containment system 100 contains a material
such as a liquid in the interior 108, the support assemblies can
generally keep the secondary containment system in place, by
preventing barrier structure 106 from tipping over, away from the
interior, or by preventing the secondary containment system from
otherwise failing from a force or pressure of the material being
contained. In this respect failure can refer to any manner in which
panels 110 or other elements of barrier structure 106 or secondary
containment system 100 no longer contain a material or effectively
resist a force or pressure, such as by tipping or bending. Failure
does not necessarily refer to a catastrophic material or secondary
containment system failure.
[0020] As shown in the example in FIG. 1, panels 110, corner
sections 112, or other elements of barrier structure 106 can be
connected by splice assemblies 104. Splice assemblies 104 can
splice together overlapping sections 114 (e.g., overlap areas) of
elements of barrier structure 106, such as panels 110 or corner
sections 112. In FIG. 1, three instances of overlapping sections
are shown. For example, overlapping section 114(1) is where a first
overlapping panel 110(1) and a second overlapping panel 110(2)
overlap and are connected by splice assembly 104(1). Overlapping
section 114(2) is where panel 110(2) and corner section 112
overlap, connected by splice assembly 104(2). Overlapping section
114(3) is where panel 110(3) and corner section 112 overlap,
connected by splice assembly 104(3).
[0021] FIGS. 2 and 3 collectively show closer views of some
components of one implementation of secondary containment system
100.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an example of the secondary containment system
with the interior 108 generally in the background of the drawing.
FIG. 3 shows the drawing of FIG. 2 as seen from the opposite side,
with the interior 108 generally in the foreground of the
drawing.
[0023] In the example secondary containment system 100 shown in
FIG. 2, support assembly 102 can include an elongate post member
220, a lower stabilization plate 222 (e.g., first stabilization
plate), an upper stabilization plate 224 (e.g., second
stabilization plate), and a cap 226. Elongate post member 220 can
be embedded in the ground 230 proximate the perimeter (not shown)
of secondary containment system 100. FIG. 2 includes a cutaway view
of the ground 230 to show the elongate post member 220 embedded in
the ground, where the ground is depicted with hash marks. In this
example, panel 110(1) is secured against support assembly 102 on
the interior 108 side of the support assembly. The various elements
of support assembly 102 will be described in further detail
below.
[0024] Also shown in FIG. 2 is splice assembly 104(1). In some
implementations, splice assemblies 104 can include a pair of
elongate reinforcing members 204. In FIG. 2, only a first
individual elongate reinforcing member 204(1) of the pair is
visible. FIG. 3 shows the opposing side of splice assembly 104(1),
with the opposing reinforcing member 204(2) on the opposite side of
overlapping section 114(1). (Both reinforcing members 204(1),
204(2) are evident in FIGS. 9A through 9C). The reinforcing members
204 can have a long axis that is generally parallel to the y axis
of the x-y-z reference axes. The various elements of splice
assemblies 104 will be described in further detail below relative
to FIGS. 9A through 9C.
[0025] Various details of support assembly 102 will now be
described in more detail. FIG. 4 shows a closer, isolated view of
example support assembly 102. In this case, elongate post member
220 can have an overall length L.sub.1 from a bottom end 440 (e.g.,
first end) to a top end 442 (e.g., second, opposite end). The
elongate post member can have an upper portion L.sub.2 (e.g.,
length) and a lower portion L.sub.3 (e.g., length). The elongate
post member can also have a first major surface 443 (e.g., first
side) and an opposing second major surface 444 (e.g., second side)
that are generally parallel and generally planar with respect to
the x and y axes of the x-y-z reference axes. In FIG. 4, the first
major surface is not visible due to the perspective of the drawing,
but is generally designated with an arrow at 443. The second major
surface is visible and designated as 444. (Example first and second
major surfaces are both evident in another implementation of the
support assembly shown in FIG. 5.)
[0026] In some implementations, lower stabilization plate 222 can
be secured against the first major surface 443 of elongate post
member 220 proximate the bottom end 440 of the elongate post
member. Upper stabilization plate 224 can be secured against the
opposite side of the elongate post member, against the second major
surface 444 of the elongate post member. In this case upper
stabilization plate 224 can be positioned farther from the bottom
end 440 than lower stabilization plate 222, but closer to the
bottom end than the top end 442 of the elongate post member
220.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows exploded views of implementations of the lower
stabilization plate 222 and the upper stabilization plate 224. As
shown in the example in FIG. 4, the lower stabilization plate can
be generally planar. When secured against the elongate post member
220, lower stabilization plate 222 can extend generally parallel to
the first major surface 443, in the x and y directions of the x-y-z
reference axes. The upper stabilization plate 224 can include a
generally vertical portion 450 (e.g., first portion, first
generally planar portion) and a generally horizontal portion 452
(e.g., second portion, second generally planar portion). The
vertical portion 450 can extend generally parallel to the second
major surface 444, in the x and y directions of the x-y-z reference
axes. The shapes of the lower and upper stabilization plates shown
in FIG. 4 are not meant to be limiting. Other shapes, dimensions,
and/or proportions of the lower and upper stabilization plates are
contemplated. In some implementations, an overall width of the
vertical portion 450 can be greater than an overall height of the
vertical portion, as shown but not designated in FIG. 4. In this
example, the overall width of the vertical portion 450 is about 12
inches. Also in this example, the vertical portion of upper
stabilization plate 224 and the lower stabilization plate 222 are
mounted on opposite sides of elongate post member 220.
[0028] The vertical portion 450 of the upper stabilization plate
224 can have a top edge 454 (e.g., upper edge). In some
implementations, when the upper stabilization plate is secured
against the elongate post member 220, the top edge 454 of the
vertical portion can be positioned against the elongate post member
and generally extend along the x axis of the x-y-z reference axes.
Viewed another way, the top edge 454 of the vertical portion can be
positioned at a top edge of the lower portion L.sub.3 of the
elongate post member. In this case, the vertical portion of the
upper stabilization plate can have a surface area generally
parallel to the x-y plane of the x-y-z reference axes. The lower
stabilization plate 222 can also have a surface area that is
generally parallel to vertical portion 450.
[0029] In this implementation, the overall length L.sub.1 of
elongate post member 220 can be between 4 and 5 feet, and a length
of the lower portion L.sub.3 can be around 23 inches. Viewed
another way, a proportion (e.g., ratio) of lengths of the upper
portion L.sub.2 of the elongate post member 220 to the lower
portion L.sub.3 can be in a range of about 1.5:1 to about 1:1. In
this case, the proportion of the lengths of the upper portion
L.sub.2 to the lower portion L.sub.3 can be around 1.25:1. The
surface area of vertical portion 450 of upper stabilization plate
224 can be at least five times greater than the surface area of
lower stabilization plate 222. For example, the surface area of the
vertical portion can be around 60 square inches or greater, while
the surface area of the lower stabilization plate can be around 12
square inches or less. As noted above, other dimensions and/or
shapes for the elongate post member and lower and upper
stabilization plates are contemplated, including the proportions of
these elements relative to each other.
[0030] As shown in the example in FIG. 4, the horizontal portion
452 of the upper stabilization plate 224 can extend from the top
edge 454 in the z direction of the x-y-z reference axes. The
horizontal portion can be generally planar, and can have a slot 456
to accommodate the elongate post member 220, so that the horizontal
portion extends around the elongate post member and past the first
major surface 443. A width (not designated) of the elongate post
member can be described as a distance in the z direction between
the opposing first and second major surfaces 443, 444 of the
elongate post member. In some implementations, the horizontal
portion 452 can extend past the first major surface in the z
direction by an amount that is equal to or greater than the width
of the elongate post member.
[0031] Elongate post member 220 can be fabricated from various
materials. For example, the elongate post member can be made from
iron-based, aluminum-based, or other materials configured in the
form of channel, bent plate, wide flange beam, tube steel (round or
square)(e.g., hollow structural section), angle or pipe, or I-beam,
among others. The example elongate post member 220 shown in FIG. 4
is made from two-inch square hollow structural section with
1/8-inch wall thickness (e.g., HSS 2.times.2.times.1/8). As another
example, the elongate post member can be made from 12-gauge,
two-inch square hollow structural section (e.g., HSS
2.times.2.times.12-gauge). Of course other structural materials
and/or dimensions, including thicknesses, are contemplated. The
material of the elongate post member can have rigidity to resist
force, such as a force parallel to the ground that is applied to
the post in a horizontal direction.
[0032] The elongate post member 220 can have a configuration that
has one or more flat surfaces, such as square tube steel (as
mentioned above). The square tube steel form can provide the first
and second major surfaces 443, 444 as flat surfaces. A
configuration that has at least one flat surface can make it an
easier configuration to work with, such as for securing lower
stabilization plate 222 and upper stabilization plate 224 to the
elongate post member. For example, lower and upper stabilization
plates can be welded to first and second major surfaces 443, 444.
Additionally, if the elongate post member 220 includes a flat
surface, it can be easier to grab, lift, or turn the elongate post
member with a mechanical device, such as to position support
assembly 102. Otherwise, if the elongate post member were made from
rounded pipe, turning or positioning the support assembly,
particularly with a mechanical device, could be more difficult or
less precise. However, some implementations can employ round pipe
or other configurations for the elongate post member. For example
the elongate post member could be made from angle iron (as
mentioned above), and at least one of the upper or lower
stabilization plates could be welded to a flat surface of the angle
iron (or across the angled surfaces) or affixed in another
manner.
[0033] Lower stabilization plate 222 and upper stabilization plate
224 can be configured from various structural materials. For
example, iron based or aluminum based materials in the form of
plate or bent plate, among others, can be employed. As shown in the
example in FIG. 4, 12-gauge metal plate can be cut in the shape of
upper stabilization plate 224, then bent to form vertical portion
450 and horizontal portion 452. In FIG. 4, lower stabilization
plate 222 is also formed from 12-gauge metal plate. In other
implementations, the vertical portion and the horizontal portion
could be made from two or more pieces that are welded together or
otherwise connected.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, support assembly 102 can have a cap 226.
The cap can have a horizontal surface 458 for receiving a downward
vertical force for driving the support assembly into the ground. In
this example, the cap 226 can prevent the elongate post member 220
from being distorted by the downward vertical force. The cap can be
cut from 1/4-inch thick metal plate. The cap can be wider than the
top end 442 of the elongate post member as shown in FIG. 4, or can
be sized to fit the top end of the elongate post member. The cap
can be designed to fit into or be held by a device for driving the
support assembly into the ground. Additionally, the cap could
include a hook, loop, or other structure (not shown) for lifting
the support assembly. Other structures or functions for the cap are
contemplated consistent with the present containment concepts.
[0035] Various fasteners can be utilized to secure the elements of
support assembly 102 to one another. Alternatively or additionally,
welding or other techniques can be utilized to secure the elements
together. For example, lower stabilization plate 222 and upper
stabilization plate 224 can be attached to elongate post member 220
by welding, or by fasteners including bolts, threaded weld studs,
and/or self driving screws or pins, among others. The lower and
upper stabilization plates could be clamped to the elongate post
member. In some implementations, the lower or upper stabilization
plates could be embedded in the ground proximate the elongate post
member without being attached to the elongate post member. The cap
226 could be welded or otherwise secured to the top end 442 of the
elongate post member.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of another example of a
support assembly 102A in the context of another implementation of a
secondary containment system 100A. As noted above, like reference
numbers in the various drawings are used wherever feasible to
indicate like elements. For example, in secondary containment
system 100A, support assembly 102A can include similar elements as
support assembly 102, such as elongate post member 220A, lower
stabilization plate 222A, upper stabilization plate 224A, and cap
226A. Some implementations of secondary containment systems 100,
100A or support assemblies 102, 102A may have minor dimensional or
proportional differences in some like elements. For example,
elongate post member 220A of support assembly 102A is shown in FIG.
5 as slightly shorter than panel 110A, as opposed to the elongate
post member 220 of support assembly 102 of secondary containment
system 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, which is taller than
panel 110. Also, the cap 226 of support assembly 102 shown in FIG.
4 is wider than the cap 226A of support assembly 102A shown in FIG.
5. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 5, dashed lines 560
within elongate post member 220A illustrate inner surfaces of the
square tube steel. In this example, the interior 108A side of
secondary containment system 100A is against a first major surface
443A of the elongate post member.
[0037] Lower stabilization plate 222A is secured against the first
major surface 443A of elongate post member 220A proximate bottom
end 440A of the elongate post member such that the lower
stabilization plate faces the interior 108A of secondary
containment system 100A. Upper stabilization plate 224A is secured
against second major surface 444A such that a vertical portion 450A
of the upper stabilization plate faces away from the interior 108A
of secondary containment system 100A. The upper stabilization plate
224A can be positioned such that the vertical portion 450A is
embedded in the ground 230, generally near the ground surface
530.
[0038] In this implementation, elongate post member 220A can have
an overall length L.sub.1A as measured from the bottom end 440A to
top end 442A. The elongate post member can be embedded in the
ground 230 such that an upper portion L.sub.2A (e.g., length) is
above the ground surface 530 and a lower portion L.sub.3A (e.g.,
length) is below the ground surface. Similar to example elongate
post member 220 (FIG. 4), the overall length L.sub.1A of the
elongate post member 220A can be between 4 and 5 feet, and a length
of the lower portion L.sub.3A embedded in the ground 230 can be
around 23 inches, such that the proportion of lengths of the upper
portion L.sub.2A to the lower portion L.sub.3A can be around
1.25:1. Other dimensions and/or proportions for the elongate post
member are contemplated, including the portions intended to be
embedded in the ground or left above the ground surface.
[0039] As noted above and shown in the example in FIG. 5, the
vertical portion 450A of upper stabilization plate 224A can be
embedded in the ground 230 such that the top edge 454A of the
vertical portion is generally near the ground surface 530. A
horizontal portion 452A of the upper stabilization plate can lie
along the ground surface 530 (e.g., flush with the ground surface)
when the vertical portion is embedded in the ground. (In FIG. 5 the
horizontal portion 452A is depicted with a dashed line since the
sectional view is through a slot in the horizontal portion, as
shown and described relative to the example horizontal section in
FIG. 4.) As discussed above relative to the example in FIG. 4 and
also shown in the example in FIG. 5, the horizontal portion can
extend from the top edge 454A of the vertical portion past elongate
post member 220A toward the interior 108A of the secondary
containment system 100A. Thus, the horizontal portion can support
at least one panel 110A on the interior side of the elongate post
member. Additionally shown in FIG. 5, some implementations of the
secondary containment system 100A can include an inner liner 562
that can extend down the interior 108A side of panel 110A and
continue toward the interior 108A along the ground surface 530. The
liner 562 may or may not be attached to the panels 110A. The liner
can be any type of plastic liner, spray-on liner, or other liner.
The liner can be intended to make the secondary containment system
effectively water-tight (e.g., fluid-tight).
[0040] Shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations panels 110A can be
attached to support assemblies 102A with bolts 564. (Not all bolts
564 are shown to avoid clutter on the drawing page.) For example,
panel 110A can be attached to first major surface 443A of elongate
post member 220A with any number of bolts. In the example shown in
FIG. 5, the heads of the bolts (not designated) are toward the
interior side of the support assembly. (Note that heads of the
bolts are shown but not designated in the example in FIG. 3.) In
some implementations, holes for the bolts may be pre-drilled in the
support assemblies (shown but not designated in the example in FIG.
4). Bolts are just one example of an attachment for the panel to
the support assembly. Other methods of attaching these elements are
contemplated, such as screws, pins, clamps, wire, zip ties, or
other means. Alternatively or additionally, the panels can be
placed proximate the support assemblies without attachment. The
panels can be attached to or held by elements of the support
assemblies, such as the horizontal portion 452A of the upper
stabilization plate 224A.
[0041] FIG. 5 also shows forces that can be applied to support
assembly 102A, which will be described in the following discussion.
As used herein, "force" is intended to be given a broad definition
to include any type of force, pressure, moment, or moment area of
inertia, among others, that may be applied to elements of the
various implementations of the secondary containment system.
Forces, depicted as horizontal arrows in FIG. 5, are for
illustration purposes only. The size or proportions of the arrows
are not to scale, and do not imply a magnitude of forces or moments
that can be applied to elements of the secondary containment
system.
[0042] As shown in the example in FIG. 5, a force from within the
secondary containment system 100A, distributed against the interior
108A of panel(s) 110A, can be approximated by a generally
horizontal summary force 570. Summary force 570 can exert pressure
on support assembly 102A at a certain height (not designated) from
the ground surface 530. In this case, when force 570 is applied to
the panel(s), elongate post member 220A can push against the
vertical portion 450A of the upper stabilization plate 224A. In
turn, the vertical portion pushes into the ground 230 away from the
interior 108A of the secondary containment system, shown as force
572. Force 572 can cause a reaction force 574 (e.g., ground
reaction force) of the ground pushing back against the upper
stabilization plate. Additionally, when force 570 is applied and
vertical portion 450A presses into the ground, the elongate post
member could be pressured to tip over, or in other words rotate
about an axis that is parallel to the x axis of the x-y-z reference
axes and proximate to the ground surface 530 and/or the upper
stabilization plate. In this manner the top end 442A of the
elongate post member can be pressured to move away from the
interior of the secondary containment system. Accordingly, the
bottom end 440A of the elongate post member can be pressured to
move toward the interior, and lower stabilization plate 222A can
apply force 576 against the ground. In this case, force 576 can
cause a reaction force 578 of the ground pushing back against the
lower stabilization plate.
[0043] Viewed another way, in some implementations the vertical
portion 450A of the upper stabilization plate 224A can be intended
to reduce movement of the top end 442A of the elongate post member
220A away from the interior 108A of the secondary containment
system 100A when the support assembly 102A is embedded in the
ground 230 and force 570 is applied. The upper stabilization plate
can give rigidness to elongate post member, and can effectively
increase a surface area of the elongate post member against the
ground 230. Similarly, the lower stabilization plate 222A can be
designed to reduce movement of the bottom end 440A of the elongate
post member toward the interior of the secondary containment system
when force 570 is applied. The movement of any part of the elongate
post member that the upper and lower stabilization plates are
designed to resist can include rotation, translation, and/or a
combination of rotation and translation.
[0044] An estimated magnitude of force 570 can be used to design
elements of some implementations of secondary containment systems.
Referring to the example illustrated in FIG. 5, dimensions (e.g.,
vertical surface area, size, shape, and/or proportions) of the
lower and upper stabilization plates 222A, 224A can be estimated or
calculated based on a need to stabilize the elongate post member
220A against force 570. In this case, secondary containment system
100A can be designed to contain a spill, such as an oil spill, in
the interior 108A. A magnitude of force 570 can be estimated based
on factors such as physical properties of the oil, depth of the
oil, and spacing of the support assemblies 102A along the panels
110A. Factors such as the estimated magnitude of force 570 and the
height of force 570 above the ground surface 530 could be used to
estimate force 572 of the vertical portion against the ground 230.
For reaction force 574 to be a generally equal and opposite force
to force 572, thereby stabilizing the elongate post member, an
estimated minimum surface area of the vertical portion could be
calculated from the estimated magnitude of force 572 and other
influencing factors, such as physical properties of the ground
(e.g., soil stiffness, compaction). Similarly, an estimated minimum
surface area of the lower stabilization plate can also be
determined.
[0045] FIGS. 6 through 8D collectively illustrate an example of an
alternative support assembly 102B. This example includes a base
plate 600, elongate post member 220B, a brace 602, and a
stabilization plate 604. FIG. 6 includes an exploded view of the
base plate, which can include a cutout 606. The base plate can be
formed from various structural materials, including iron based or
aluminum based materials in the form of plate, bent plate, flat
bar, or channel, among others. Elongate post member 220B can fit
through cutout 606 in base plate 600. The cutout can be any shape
that matches the shape of the elongate post member, or in other
words receives the elongate post member. In this case elongate post
member 220B is C-shaped channel and the cutout is a corresponding
C-shape. In another example, the elongate post member can be square
tube steel and the cutout could have a correspondingly sized square
shape (not shown). Brace 602 can also be configured from various
structural materials, such as iron based or aluminum based
materials in the form of pipe or angle or tube steel, among others.
Various fasteners can be utilized to secure the elements of support
assembly 102B to one another. Alternatively or additionally,
welding or other techniques can be utilized to secure the elements
together.
[0046] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the example support assembly 102B in
the context of a secondary containment system 100B, with a panel
110B attached. FIG. 7A is a perspective drawing with the interior
108B of the secondary containment system on an opposite side of the
panel 110B from the elongate post member 220B. FIG. 7B is a
sectional drawing of the secondary containment system, also with
the interior on the opposite side of the panel 110B from the
elongate post member 220B. Referring to FIG. 7B, support assembly
102B can be embedded in the ground 230 such that the base plate
generally rests on the ground surface 530 (e.g., flush with the
ground). In the example of support assembly 102B, the panel 110B
can rest on base plate 600.
[0047] In one implementation, support assembly 102B can be
preassembled and driven into the ground as a unit. In other
implementations, some or all of the elements of support assembly
102B could be assembled and installed in place, as illustrated in
FIGS. 8A through 8D. For example, base plate 600 can be placed on
the ground as shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B shows elongate post member
220B driven into the ground through cutout 606 in the base plate.
Shown in FIG. 8C, brace 602 can be attached to the elongate post
member and the base plate.
[0048] FIG. 8D shows stabilization plate 604 driven into the
ground. Finally, panel 110B can be attached to the support
assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In another case, the support
assemblies can be preassembled with the exception of the
stabilization plate; the assembly can be driven into the ground and
then the stabilization plate can be driven into the ground
proximate to the base plate.
[0049] Design or dimensions of various implementations of the
support assemblies can be influenced by many factors. For a
secondary containment system to be able to contain a larger force
or a force that is applied generally higher on the interior of the
panels, the elongate post members and stabilization plates could be
embedded deeper in the ground, support assemblies could be spaced
more closely along the panels, or the support assemblies could be
braced, as in example support assembly 102B shown in FIG. 6. In
general, the use of stabilization plates on the support assemblies
can allow the support assemblies to be placed farther apart along
the panels than systems using traditional posts set in concrete
footings. For example, support assemblies with lower and upper
stabilization plates, such as support assemblies 102 (FIGS. 1-4)
and 102A (FIG. 5), can be placed approximately ten feet apart and
can provide similar support as traditional posts using concrete
footings placed approximately four feet apart.
[0050] Some factors affecting the design of some elements of
support assemblies can include soil stiffness or compaction at a
work site, a desire for conservation of materials, a desired height
of elongate post members, and/or a limit on the footprint of the
secondary containment system, among others. There can be a limit to
the depth some elements can be embedded in the ground, such as
where pipes or other materials are located or suspected within the
ground, or where a depth of prepared or compacted ground is limited
at a work site. Design of some elements of support assemblies can
be influenced by considerations for how the elements are embedded
into the ground, such as a shape for entry to the ground or a shape
for applying force to embed the elements in the ground.
[0051] Other configurations of support assemblies are contemplated.
For example, if a smaller footprint were desired for secondary
containment system 100 (FIG. 1), elongate post member 220 and
panels 110 could be taller and contain a similar volume of material
as a secondary containment system with a larger footprint. The
example support assembly 102 shown in FIG. 4 could be modified to
also include a brace similar to brace 602 in FIG. 6, but without a
base plate such as base plate 600 shown in FIG. 6. In this case,
the brace could allow the support assembly to support a taller
elongate post member. In this case, upper stabilization plate 224
(FIG. 4) could be secured to the elongate post member 220,
stabilization plate 604 (FIG. 6) could be on the end of the brace
602, or the support assembly could include both of these
stabilization plates.
[0052] Support assemblies such as 102 (FIGS. 1-4), 102A (FIG. 5),
and/or 102B (FIGS. 6-8D) could be used in other fields besides
secondary containment systems. Other uses can include support for
snow fences or highway guard rails. The support assemblies can
generally be used to assist in countering a horizontal force.
[0053] Various details of splice assembly 104 will now be described
in more detail. FIGS. 9A through 9C collectively relate to securing
panels 110 of secondary containment system 100 to one another. As
mentioned above, some implementations of the secondary containment
system can include splice assemblies 104, which can consist of
pairs of reinforcing members 204. The example illustrated in FIG.
9A shows reinforcing members 204(1) and 204(2), which are also
evident in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The reinforcing members 204
can have side members 900 with inwardly facing surfaces 902. In
FIG. 9A, only one inwardly facing surface 902(1) is visible on
reinforcing member 204(1) due to the perspective of the drawing,
while two inwardly facing surfaces 902(2) and 902(3) are visible on
reinforcing member 204(2). In some implementations, the splice
assemblies 104 can include corrugation spacer and plug assemblies
904, shown in FIG. 9B. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, in this
implementation a corrugation spacer and plug assembly 904(1) can
include a bolt 906, a corrugation spacer 908, a plug 910, and a nut
912. In some implementations of the secondary containment system, a
corrugation gasket 914 can be placed between the spliced panels
110.
[0054] As shown in the example in FIGS. 1-3, panels 110 of
secondary containment system 100 can have a corrugation pattern.
This pattern is best seen when viewed along an edge of a panel 110,
as in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9B is a sectional view of example splice
assembly 104(1) viewed along the x axis. In this example, panels
110(1) and 110(2) are spliced together, although they are
designated together as 110 due to the scale of the drawing.
(Individual panels 110(1) and 110(2) are evident in the closer view
in FIG. 9C.) In FIG. 9B, the panels 110 extend into the drawing
page along the x axis, and the corrugation pattern of the ends of
the panels define a wave shape or a generally sinusoidal curve
extending along the y axis of the x-y-z reference axes. FIG. 9C is
a sectional view of example splice assembly 104(1) viewed along the
y axis, or orthogonal to the view in FIG. 9B. Accordingly, in FIG.
9C the panels 110 appear flat, instead of having a wave shape.
[0055] In general, the corrugation pattern of multiple panels 110
can match such that the panels generally fit against one another at
overlapping sections 114 (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), or nest with each
other. Referring to the example shown in FIG. 9B, the inwardly
facing surfaces 902 can have a corrugation pattern that matches the
corrugation pattern of the panels 110. Accordingly, when the
reinforcing members 204 are placed on overlapping panels 110, the
inwardly facing surfaces can lie closely against the corrugated
sides of the panels. Viewed another way, referring to FIG. 9A, the
corrugation pattern of inwardly facing surface 902(1) can interlock
with the corrugation pattern of inwardly facing surface 902(2) when
reinforcing members 204(1) and 204(2) are brought together on
opposing sides of the panels 110, as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0056] In some implementations, the panels 110 can be sheets of
corrugated aluminum or other metal. The corrugation pattern can be
any pattern or shape that can add strength to the panel, as opposed
to a planar sheet of material that may be relatively more
susceptible to bending or other failure when subjected to a force.
For example, referring to FIG. 9B, the pattern can add strength to
the panel 110 to be able to resist deformation of the panel when a
force is applied to a broad side of the panel. Other patterns or
shapes for the panels or panel edges are contemplated, such as
zigzags, or irregular patterns or shapes. Accordingly, the
reinforcing members 204 can conform to or otherwise match the shape
of the panels.
[0057] The reinforcing members 204 can be made from various
materials, such as iron based or aluminum based materials in the
form of plate or bent plate, among others. For example, 10-gauge
metal plate can be cut with a corrugation pattern on two opposing
long sides, then formed (e.g., pressed) to resemble the channel
shape of example reinforcing member 204(2) shown in FIG. 9A. The
channel shape can add rigidity to the reinforcing member.
Alternatively, channel or square tube steel could be cut lengthwise
with a corrugation pattern to achieve a similar configuration.
Other materials or configurations for reinforcing members are
contemplated. The example reinforcing members 204 shown in FIGS. 9A
and 9B have two side members 900 and two inwardly facing surfaces
902. In other implementations, the reinforcing members could have
more or less side members or inwardly facing surfaces. For example,
the reinforcing member could be made from a long strip of plate
metal formed or pressed in a corrugated shape (e.g., wave shape) or
made from a solid material cut lengthwise with a corrugation
pattern, such that there are no side members and only one inwardly
facing surface (not shown).
[0058] As shown in the example in FIG. 9B, splice assembly 104(1)
can extend vertically along the overlapping panels 110 (e.g., along
the y axis), but the length of the splice assemblies can be less
than a height of the overlapping panels (not designated). In other
words, top and bottom portions of panels 110 may extend beyond the
reinforcing members 204 in the y direction. In the example shown in
FIG. 9B, the length of the reinforcing members 204 in the y
direction is about two-feet, seven-inches, whereas the panels 110
as measured in the y-direction are approximately three-feet. In the
example shown in FIG. 9C, gasket 914 is evident between overlapping
panels 110(1) and 110(2). The gasket can be made from plastic or a
putty type material, among others, and the material can conform to
the corrugation pattern. In some implementations, the gasket can
generally extend along the entire height of the overlapping panels
(not shown). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9C, the gasket can
extend through the splice assembly in the x direction beyond outer
edges 916 of the inwardly facing surfaces 902 of the reinforcing
members. In this case, even though the splice assembly may not
extend along the entire height of the overlapping panels, the
splice assembly can apply enough force to the overlapping panels
and gasket to effectively seal the entire height of overlapping
panels 110.
[0059] As mentioned above, FIG. 9C is a sectional, closer view of
example splice assembly 104(1), viewed along the y axis. In some
implementations, corrugation spacer and plug assemblies 904 can be
oriented so a head 918 of bolt 906, corrugation spacer 908, and
plug 910 are on the interior 108 side of panel 110(2), and
therefore on the interior 108 side of secondary containment system
100 (shown in FIG. 1), to assist with the fluid-tight seal of
splice assemblies 104. As shown in the example in FIG. 9C, the
channel shape (e.g., C-shape) of reinforcing member 204(2) can
create an inner cavity 920 of the reinforcing member and the panel
110(2). In some implementations, the corrugation spacer 908 and the
plug 910 can be mounted on the bolt 906 and fill the inner cavity
920, between an interior wall 922 of reinforcing member 204(2) and
a surface 923 of the panel 110(2), helping to form a fluid-tight
seal. The corrugation spacer 908 can be positioned against the
interior wall 922 and the plug can be positioned against the panel
110(2). In this case, the plug can fit partially into a bolt hole
924 in overlapping panels 110(1), 110(2) and gasket 914.
[0060] FIGS. 9A through 9C are not drawn to scale, and proportions
of elements shown in the Figures are not meant to be limiting. In
particular, note that the length of corrugation spacer 908 can vary
depending on the location of the corrugation spacer and plug
assembly 904 relative to the corrugation pattern. For example, as
shown in FIG. 9B, due to the positioning of corrugation spacer and
plug assemblies 904(1) and 904(2) relative to the corrugation
pattern of panels 110, corrugation spacer and plug assemblies
904(1) and 904(2) will utilize corrugation spacers 908 with
different lengths relative to the z axis. Viewed another way,
corrugation spacer and plug assemblies 904 extend from interior
walls 922 of reinforcing members 204 along the z axis to points
(not designated) in line with the wave shape of panels 110. In some
implementations, the placement of the corrugation spacer and plug
assemblies 904 along a given reinforcing member 204 can be such
that the corrugation spacers 908 are the same length, or different
lengths.
[0061] Traditional techniques for combining panels utilize a
relatively large number of bolts, such as 26 bolts per splice. In
general, the bolts are needed to seal the gasket between panels,
providing a water-tight barrier. The inventive concepts allow a
greatly reduced number of bolts to be utilized to splice two
containment panels 110 together. Further, since each bolt/bolt hole
is a breach of gasket 914, fewer bolts and bolt holes can increase
the relative reliability of secondary containment system 100. As
shown in FIG. 9B, 26 bolts can be replaced by four corrugation
spacer and plug assemblies 904 in equivalent splices. Of course,
other implementations can use less than four or more than four
corrugation spacer and plug assemblies or bolts 906. In any case,
the number of bolts can be greatly reduced from traditional
configurations for a given splice, saving material and installation
time. Additionally, the channel shape of the reinforcing members
204 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C can provide greater rigidity than when
the larger number of bolts, such as 26, is used. In other
implementations, alternative methods of securing reinforcing
members 204 on either side of overlapping panels 110 or sealing
elements of splice assemblies 104 are contemplated.
[0062] In some implementations, splice assembly 104 can enable
lifting devices to be incorporated (not shown). For instance, a
lifting hook or loop could be added, such as via welding to the top
of one or both reinforcing members 204 of a pair. Alternatively,
one or both of the reinforcing members of the splice assembly could
be taller than a panel 110 so that the reinforcing member(s) extend
above the panel. A hole drilled through this extension could be
utilized to lift sections of secondary containment system 100. In
this manner, elements of barrier structure 106 (FIG. 1) could be
pre-built or pre-assembled into longer sections to reduce time
spent in the field.
[0063] In some implementations, panels 110 with the corrugation
pattern may be generally planar overall, as shown in FIG. 1. In
other implementations, corrugated panels can have an overall curved
form such that secondary containment system 100 can be a round or
oval shape (not shown). Other shapes for the secondary containment
system are contemplated, and can be assembled with corrugated
panels that are planar, curved, bent, or have other configurations.
Referring to FIG. 1, implementations of secondary containment
system 100 that include corners can have corner sections 112. The
corner section 112 can include the corrugation pattern and can
overlap the panels 110. In this implementation, the corner section
and a panel can be secured together with the splice assemblies.
This example is not meant to be limiting; other structures for
corners of secondary containment systems are contemplated.
[0064] FIG. 1 depicts splice assemblies 104 mounted vertical with
respect to the corrugation pattern of panels 110. In other
implementations, the splice assemblies could be mounted at a
different angle or orientation, such that inwardly facing surfaces
of reinforcing members 204 would have a different shape or pattern
dictated by the orientation.
[0065] Splice assemblies 104 could be used in other fields that
employ splicing of corrugated or other patterned materials. For
example, grain elevators, culverts, or other structures could be
assembled with splice assemblies to secure overlapping panels
tightly.
CONCLUSION
[0066] Although techniques, methods, devices, systems, etc.
pertaining to secondary containment systems are described in
language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the
appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features
or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are
disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed methods,
devices, systems, etc.
* * * * *